Spotify's music catalog was recently "appropriated" by an unauthorized party. Was it theft or preservation? The conversation explores copyright, artist rights, and the idea of music as both art and information. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea also look at libraries, global access, licensing models, and how digital archives and video games should be preserved for future generations. MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from ...
Jan 15, 2026•28 min•Season 2026Ep. 26008
At CES Unveiled 2026, Matthew Ungar, Marketing Manager for Govee shows off the company's newest smart lighting and home innovations. Highlights include LumaBlend Plus for richer color control, dynamic ceiling lights that mimic natural skies, an AI lighting assistant, and a nugget ice maker designed to bring restaurant-style convenience into the home. Show Notes: Links: Govee Smart Ceiling Light https://amzn.to/3NkYiLa GoveeLife Smart Ice Maker Countertop, Portable Ice Machine with Voice Control ...
Jan 15, 2026•8 min•Season 2026Ep. 26007
At CES Unveiled 2026 in Las Vegas, Carrie Kessenich, Director of Brand Management for FeatherSnap talks about about their smart bird feeders that automatically captures photos and video of visiting birds. The system identifies species and delivers wildlife moments straight to your phone, turning backyard birdwatching into a modern, connected experience. Show Notes: Links: FeatherSnap Smart Birdfeeder with AI Identification and Wi-Fi Solar Powered, Captures HD Pictures and Videos Sent Directly to...
Jan 14, 2026•5 min•Season 2026Ep. 26006
At CES Unveiled in Las Vegas, we kicked off the event we talked to Dana Reese of Tactacam , who gave us the highlights of the DEFEND a fully cellular security camera system that skips Wi-Fi and wiring for quick setup. Their app sends alerts and lets you request a photo, capture video, or jump into live view. Power is supplied by a solar panel and weather-ready battery, and offers subscription plans. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26005.mp3 Show Notes: Support: Become a MacVoices Patron ...
Jan 14, 2026•6 min•Season 2026Ep. 26005
Reactions to ChatGPT's voice mode disappearing from the macOS app, debates about why it happened, and how it impacts their use are provided by Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea. Whether voice is the future, and if OpenAI's "code red" priorities played a role are examined. Then, the panel also review the new "Tech Force" that is tapping talent from major tech firms for government initiatives, raising questions abo...
Jan 13, 2026•45 min•Season 2026Ep. 26004
The MacVoices Live! panel discusses reports of U.S. restrictions affecting foreign-made drones and the impact on DJI users, an Italian fine against Apple tied to app tracking prompts and privacy expectations, and talk of possible U.S. retaliation over EU tech enforcement. Along the way, the group vents Festivus-style grievances and debates privacy, evidence, and motive. Participants include Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, ...
Jan 12, 2026•37 min•Season 2026Ep. 26003
Real-world risks and responsible use of AI kick off the second part of our conversation with The Long Island Macintosh Users Group . The group swaps scam stories (spoofed bank calls, W-2 phishing, ransomware) and how AI can amplify fraud. Ways to mitigate exposure in an AI-powered world include cyber insurance, privacy tradeoffs in popular AI tools, copyright/IP guardrails in image generation, and careful experimentation. This edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices After Dark . What happ...
Jan 05, 2026•49 min•Season 2026Ep. 26002
The first part of an appearance at The Long Island Macintosh Users Group digs into large language models, real-world AI use, and Apple's philosophy. The conversation ranges from productivity and creativity to ethics, privacy, and deepfakes. Why experimentation, transparency, and skepticism matter as AI becomes part of everyday workflows starts with participation from the group. (1) This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Get access to the MacVoices Slack and MacVoi...
Jan 02, 2026•47 min•Season 2026Ep. 26001
The MacVoices Live! panel takes a deep dive into the self-driving car debate, weighing sensational media coverage against real-world safety data and personal experiences with autonomous taxis. Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, David Ginsburg, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea discuss human distraction, software transparency, police interaction with automated vehicles, and whether machines can outperform inattentive drivers in real-world situations. The Antigravity A1 is the ...
Dec 31, 2025•33 min•Season 2025Ep. 25327
The December 2025 Update shares a planned break the week of January 5 for CES in Las Vegas, explaining it's one of the two annual conference pauses to gather interviews and content. Why you should pay extra attention to MacVoices Magazine at this time of year and s a last call to revisit the Holiday Gift Guide list and episodes is included. The Update ends with listener and viewer thanks, a Patreon tier roll-call. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] December update and New Year greeting [0:20] Planned ...
Dec 31, 2025•7 min•Season 2025Ep. 25326
A multi-topic MacVoices Live! discussion touches on the growing pains of predictive markets after disputes over Time's Person of the Year, raising questions about gambling, rules, and manipulation. Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, David Ginsburg, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea also debates proposed age-verification requirements for online content, concerns over data retention and privacy, new calls for social-media disclosures from travelers, and what Alan Dye's departur...
Dec 30, 2025•42 min•Season 2025Ep. 25325
A wide-ranging discussion covers mixed signals from GM around CarPlay, as the automaker rejects full support while selectively adopting Apple integrations like Music and digital keys. Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Eric bolden, David Ginsburg, Web Bixby, and Jim Real also reacts to safety concerns over more recalled power banks, new Vision Pro travel features, updates to Apple's Sports app, and the latest Bending Spoons' acquisition, this time of Eventbrite. "The Antigravit...
Dec 29, 2025•38 min•Season 2025Ep. 25324
Our conversation with Kirk McElhern about Take Control of Apple Media Apps looks at the steady maturation of Apple's media apps—Music, TV, Books, and Podcasts—and why major changes are now rare. Kirk unpacks Apple Music's personalized stations and discovery, the "hits rise to the top" problem, and why many podcast pros still prefer Overcast despite Apple's transcripts. Plus: how Apple's services strategy nudges users toward subscriptions, and why managing your own library adds complexity. (Part ...
Dec 27, 2025•27 min•Season 2025Ep. 25233
Kirk McElhern discusses the latest edition of Take Control of Apple Media Apps , covering what's new—and what isn't—in Music, TV, Podcasts, and Books. He critiques the "Liquid Glass" look, notes small updates like AutoMix and pinned items, and argues the apps have reached maturity. The conversation includes accessibility issues, managing personal video libraries, and why Spotify's appeal isn't just playlists. (Part 1) MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never be...
Dec 24, 2025•24 min•Season 2025Ep. 25322
A wide-ranging discussion examines the implications of leadership changes and talent loss within Apple's AI organization following delays to promised Siri features. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, and Jim Rea debate whether Apple's struggles reflect internal turmoil, unrealistic timelines, or a deliberate partnering with external AI options. Privacy, on-device capabilities, and regulatory pressure all factor into a candid assessment o...
Dec 23, 2025•42 min•Season 2025Ep. 25321
In response to the inevitable shower of deals and special offers on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, and Jim Rea share some of their holiday acquisitions and why the made them. The panel also covers "fake" discounts, deal fatigue, and why loyal customers often miss out while still celebrating the fun of finding genuinely useful gear. MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the groun...
Dec 22, 2025•37 min•Season 2025Ep. 25320
In the final segment of the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Kirk McElhearn out with bigger comfort and productivity picks: a portable lamp with battery power, a TSA-friendly Leatherman, along with a charging station, a long-running text utility, and a travel accessory for cramped flights. (Part 3) This edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices Magazine , our free magazine on Flipboard. Updated daily with the best articles on the web...
Dec 19, 2025•29 min•Season 2025Ep. 25319
The second part of our final 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide delivers a mix of low-tech problem solvers and smart power picks. Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Kirk McElhearn select an interior windshield cleaner, a MagSafe ring mount for comfortable caseless use at home, and suction-based phone chargers/stands to keep devices charged and easy to find. The picks also include a USB-C rechargeable numeric pad, experience gifts like concert tickets, a rechargeable...
Dec 19, 2025•42 min•Season 2025Ep. 25318
Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Kirk McElhearn and Chuck Joiner wrap up the 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides wraps up with "best of the rest" episodes, packed with practical picks and plenty of laughs. Highlights include keyboard travel cases, socks, portable power options, dictation software, a motorized TV mount, a light, and compact multi-port chargers. (Part 1) MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You ha...
Dec 18, 2025•42 min•Season 2025Ep. 25317
Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner wrap up 2025 with a look at Apple TV's momentum, awards recognition, and strategy. They preview upcoming releases like F1 and returning series Hijack and Tehran, debate sports rights and bundles, and share favorite picks including Slow Horses , Prime Target , The Morning Show season 4, the finale of Mythic Quest , and Foundation —arguing 2025 may be the service's strongest year yet. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Year-end wrap and what's ahead 01:03 F1 release and H...
Dec 17, 2025•39 min•Season 2025Ep. 25316
The 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide continues with Brittany Smith, Mike Potter, and Chuck Joiner making the picks. They include an affordable Bluetooth blood pressure monitor that syncs to Health, a whimsical LEGO gingerbread Star Wars piece, and a double recommendation of an Audible subscription and a book that covers Apple from a different angle. An app pick, a feline-oriented calendar, and a push to learn large language models responsibly finishes off this guide. (Part 2) MacVoices is suppo...
Dec 16, 2025•38 min•Season 2025Ep. 25315
The 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Gide #7 kicks off with Brittany Smith, Mike Potter, and Chuck Joiner sharing practical and fun picks. Highlights include a fandom-themed backpack, a powerful multi-port charger, compact multi-purpose cables, an iPhone mini alternative, an AI-powered webcam, and a tool for repurposing old Macs. (Part 1) MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You have to see the results to believe them. Find out ev...
Dec 16, 2025•34 min•Season 2025Ep. 25314
Jeff Carlson dives deeper into watchOS 26 changes as we continue our discussion about Take Control of Apple Watch, Sixth Edition . From a redesigned Workout app and expanded customization to Workout Buddy's friendly audio updates, Jeff covers some of the most interesting and important updates. He also points out new Control Center options, Smart Stack hints, Focus-based watch face switching, and Ultra 3 satellite support. (Part 2) MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground ...
Dec 15, 2025•31 min•Season 2025Ep. 25313
Thinking of giving or getting an Apple Watch for the holidays? You need to hear Jeff Carlson discuss the new edition of Take Control of Apple Watch, Sixth Edition . Jeff talks about the latest Apple Watch lineup and watchOS 26 and deciding when an upgrade makes sense. He compares Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE models, emphasizing real-world differences, longevity, and value. Evolving health features, everyday usability improvements, and subtle interface enhancements all go factor in that ...
Dec 12, 2025•31 min•Season 2025Ep. 25312
The panel of Bart Busschots, Kirschen Seah, Mike Burke, and Chuck Joiner continues the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide #6 with practical and geeky picks, from safety bands and emergency "holding it together" kits to premium luggage, tech pouches, and blazing-fast SSDs. They also highlight an in-flight audio device and the ultimate LEGO gift for Star Trek fans. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25311.mp3 MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my co...
Dec 11, 2025•46 min•Season 2025Ep. 25311
The 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #6 kicks off with a lively mix of community banter and practical tech recommendations by Bart Busschots, Kirschen Seah, Mike Burke, and Chuck Joiner. Picks include a rechargeable wallet tracker, travel-friendly guided tour apps, sustainable coffee gear, foldable keyboards, a compact control surface, a powerful dictation tool, and pro-level video-switching software, each reflecting the interests of the panel members. (Part 1) MacVoices is supported by CleanMy...
Dec 10, 2025•39 min•Season 2025Ep. 25310
The MacVoices Live! panel touches on Microsoft's warning about a risky experimental AI agent in Windows, raising concerns about big tech pushing features before security is understood. Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and David Ginsburg debate age-verification proposals from Roblox and Pornhub, explore Coinbase's new prediction market, and react to a massive WhatsApp data breach affecting billions of phone numbers. MacVoices is supported by In...
Dec 10, 2025•37 min•Season 2025Ep. 25309
This discussion dives into the debate over affordable computing for students and families, comparing Chromebooks, iPads, and the possibility of a new low-cost Mac from Apple. Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and David Ginsburg compare performance, device lifespan, security, and management tools, asking how Apple can compete in price-sensitive school markets without sacrificing the user experience that defines its hardware. MacVoices is support...
Dec 09, 2025•37 min•Season 2025Ep. 25308
The increase in Apple-themed impersonation scams, CNN's withdrawal from Apple News and shifting news-subscription models, and new CarPlay widget capabilities in iOS 26 are discussed by Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and David Ginsburg. They share personal experiences with phishing, explore the evolving media landscape, and consider how AI assistants and in-car widgets may shape future driving and information habits. MacVoices is supported by...
Dec 08, 2025•36 min•Season 2025Ep. 25307
In the second part of the fifth installment of the 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide, David Ginsburg, Wally Cherwinski, and Chuck Joiner highlights a 4K portable monitor and stand, AirPods safety straps, compression and neoprene travel socks, rechargeable motion-sensor lighting, a compact USB microphone, and smart-home hardware buttons. Practical travel gear, audio upgrades, and smart lighting tools round out the list of gift picks. (Part 2) MacVoices is supported by Take Control Books : The Ans...
Dec 07, 2025•34 min•Season 2025Ep. 25306
